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For Immediate Release
October 22, 2015
Forward Theater Introduces Playwright Lauren Gunderson
to Madison, debuts Silent Sky in November
Madison, WI – Forward Theater Company will debut its upcoming season with the midwestern
premiere of Silent Sky, written by one of hottest new playwrights in 2015-16, Lauren Gunderson.
This smart and infectiously humorous play will be presented in the Playhouse at Overture
Center, November 5 – 22.
Based on the true story and science of early 20th century female “computers” at Harvard
Observatory, this play tells the story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, who must leave her
Wisconsin home to pursue her dream of studying the night sky. But she soon discovers that the
distance to the stars is less than the distance to acceptance in the man's world of turn-of-thecentury science. Family, music, love and history come alive beneath a blanket of stars in this
magical story of a scientist's quest for the heavens in a society determined to keep a woman in
her place.
“I am thrilled to begin our season with this thought-provoking and heart-expanding play,” said
FTC’s Artistic Director, Jennifer Uphoff Gray. “Not only does it bring a relatively unknown
scientist to life, it celebrates her accomplishments in a way that is beautifully epic and intimate
all at the same time. Our audiences are in for an experience that is intellectually rewarding,
emotionally rich and visually stunning.”
The production features a talented Wisconsin-based cast, including Clare Arena Haden, Colleen
Madden, Carrie Hitchcock, Michael Huftile and Liz Cassarino.
Bringing Lauren Gunderson to Madison – Wisconsin Science Festival
On Saturday, October 24th, Forward Theater is excited to welcome Silent Sky playwright Lauren
Gunderson to Madison, as she appears at the Wisconsin Science Festival from 7:00-7:50pm in
the Discovery Building at 330 N. Orchard. Ms. Gunderson will present Survival of the Storied:
Why Science Needs Art and Art Needs Science, which explores the ways that science and story
share a structure that begs for heroism, action, surprise, mystery and wonder.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale. They may be purchased online at OvertureCenter.org, in person at
Overture Center’s ticket office, or by calling (608) 258-4141.
Previews (first Thursdays): $20 for the general public
Adults Thursdays/Sundays: $37-$41
Adults Fridays/Saturdays: $39-$45
Seniors (62+) Thursdays/Sundays: $32-$37
Seniors (62+) Fridays/Saturdays: $34-$39
Students Thursdays/Sundays: $25-$27
Students Fridays/Saturdays: $27-$29
Student/Educator Night
The production will have one preview performance, Thursday November 5th at 7:30 pm. For this
performance only, $10 tickets are available to high school and college students and educators.
Simply ask for the student/educator discount at the box office when purchasing your tickets.
Student Rush
Student Rush tickets will also be available to high school and college students for $15 apiece,
one hour prior to each regular performance, at Overture Center's ticket office. Students can buy
up to two tickets, and must present a valid student ID.
Pre-Show Talks
FTC will present FREE pre-show talks on the Rotunda Stage, one hour before the curtain time,
prior to all Thursday and Sunday performances. (Thursdays 11/5, 11/12, and 11/19 at 6:30 pm,
and Sundays 11/8, 11/15, & 11/22 at 1:00 pm.) These talks will give audiences some additional
background on the play, the author, and the production elements that bring the play to life. No
tickets or reservations are required.
Sponsors
Silent Sky is generously sponsored by Madison Community Foundation, Promega, American
Family Insurance, WPS Health Insurance, Hausmann & Johnson Insurance, Custer Financial
Services, JH Findorff and Son, Brava Magazine and Our Lives Magazine.
About Forward Theater Company
Founded in 2009, FTC creates a home base for Wisconsin theater professionals and audiences
that expands the cultural and economic life of the greater Madison area.
For more information, please contact Communications Director Scott Haden, (608) 234-5001,
shaden@forwardtheater.com.